Notes on using OLED TVs (about image retention) (2024)

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check the Applicable Products and Categories section of this article before starting these steps.

Organic EL displays (OLED) may experience permanent image retention if an image is continuously displayed for a long period of time or the same image is repeatedly displayed.
To protect the screen, avoid using images that are susceptible to image retention as much as possible and adhere to the following precautions.

• About image retention of the TV screen
• Function to reduce image retention on the TV panel and how to reduce the risk of image retention
  • Functions to automatically reduce and prevent image retention on the panel equipped in the TV:
  • How to reduce the risk of image retention:

About image retention of the TV screen

Generally, due to the characteristics of the materials used for organic EL displays to achieve high-definition imaging, the display is susceptible to screen image retention.
The following are examples of images that may cause image retention:

• Content with black bars either on the top and bottom and/or the left and right sides of the screen. (for example, Letterboxed, 4:3 screen)
• Static images such as photos.
• Video games that might have static content in some part of the screen.
• On-screen menus, program guides, channel logos etc.
• Static content from applications.
• On-screen tickers, such as those used for news and headlines.

Function to reduce image retention on the TV panel and how to reduce the risk of image retention

Functions to automatically reduce and prevent image retention on the panel equipped in the TV:

To protect the TV from screen image retention, this TV is equipped with the following functions that automatically adjust the screen conditions. These functions automatically run according to your TV’s condition.
Note: Some functions can also be run manually.

• Panel refresh
  Panel refresh will automatically run to adjust the uniformity of the TV screen after it has been in use for long periods of time.
  For details, refer to: What is Panel refresh?
• Panel calibration
  Panel calibration is a function that optimizes the screen and reduces image retention or enhances the image in dark scenes.
  For details, refer to: What is Panel calibration?
• Pixel shift
  Pixel shift is a function that prevents screen image retention of the TV screen by shifting the image of the TV screen after a certain amount of time elapses.
  By setting this function to On in the settings, it runs automatically.
  For details, refer to: The image sometimes shifts. (Pixel shift function)
• Screen saver
  To protect the TV from image retention, a screen saver is activated if operations aren't performed for a while.
  For details, refer to:
• • BRAVIA is displayed on the lower right area of the TV screen.
  • When the TV screen is in a screen such as the Home screen, it switches over to the screen saver in a short time.
• Function to adjust the screen brightness
  If an image is displayed on the TV screen with which screen image retention may easily occur, the function that gradually reduces the screen brightness operates in order to protect the TV from screen image retention.
  For details, refer to: The screen brightness suddenly changes. (OLED TV)

How to reduce the risk of image retention:

By noting the following when using the TV, you can reduce the risk of screen image retention.

• How do I reduce image retention or non-uniformity on the screen?
• Fill the screen by changing Wide mode to eliminate the black bars.
  • If Wide mode is shownwhen pressing the MENU button: Select Wide mode → Full or Horizontal fit.
  • If Wide mode is not shownwhen pressing the MENU button:Follow the steps below:
    1. Open the Settings screen. How to access Settings
    2. Select Display & Sound or Display.
    3. Select Screen.
    4. Select Wide mode.
    5. Select Wide zoom, Full or Zoom.
• Turn off the OSD (On Screen Display) by pressing the DISPLAY button, and turn off the menus from connected equipment. For details, refer to the instruction manuals for the connected equipment.
• Avoid displaying static images with bright colors (including white), clocks or logos on any portion of the screen.
• Set the picture settings based on the ambient conditions.
  Standard is recommended for home use and when viewing content that often displays the station logos, etc.
  1. Open the Settings screen. How to access Settings
  2. The next steps will depend on your TV menu options:
     • Display & Sound → Picture & Sound → Picture → Picture mode → Standard.
     • Display & Sound → Picture → Picture mode → Standard.
     • Display → Picture → Picture mode → Standard.